United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government
End of Watch Friday, July 23, 1954
Add to My HeroesWilliam Franklin Buckelew
Pilot William Buckelew and Inspector Donald Kee were killed in an airplane accident near Rio Grande City, Texas, while conducting flights to check farm laborers. The plane was banking to return to a field when it suddenly plunged into the Rio Grande River. Inspector Kee was killed on impact and Pilot Buckelew succumbed to his injuries en route to a hospital.
Pilot Buckelew had served with the agency for nine and half years and had previously served with the United States Army Field Artillery. He was survived by his wife and is buried in the Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 9 years, 5 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
- Location Texas
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsRest in peace Pilot Buckelew.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
August 22, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant John K. Williams
Coralville Police Department, IA
EOW: July 3, 2022

Police Officer Jacob Russell Chaffins
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: July 1, 2022

Deputy Sheriff William Petry
Floyd County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Captain Ralph Frasure
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Bradley Johnson
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 30, 2022

Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson
Poteet Police Department, TX
EOW: June 29, 2022

Sergeant Richard Lopez
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: June 28, 2022

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022